Difference Between Copper and Brass

Metals are very important to man. They are chemical elements that are good conductors of heat and electricity and are very useful in astrology and astrophysics. They are also used in the construction of buildings, furniture, vehicles, utensils, and other household items.

They are very valuable and are mined and traded among nations. They are commodities that are necessary for the development of a nation. Precious metals, particularly gold, is used as gauge of a nation’s wealth and is considered as a good investment.

Metals can be base, referring to those that oxidize and corrode easily; ferrous, referring to those that contain iron; noble, referring to those that are oxidation and corrosion resistant; and precious, referring to those that have high economic value.

Copper is a base metal because it oxidizes easily. It is a chemical element with a very high thermal and electrical conductivity. In its purest form, copper is soft and malleable. It has a reddish-orange color that turns green with corrosion. It has been used for thousands of years as a building material and as an element of other alloys.

Copper has a similar electron structure as gold and silver. It is a recyclable metal and is soluble in water. It is poisonous in large amounts but is an important nutrient for plants and animals.

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. Its bright, gold-like color makes it ideal for use as decorations. It is used to make doorknobs, locks, gears, ammunition, valves, plumbing, electrical, and musical instruments. Zippers are also made of brass.

It has been used since ancient times as mirrors and other decorations. It is malleable and can be cast and molded. Depending on the amount of zinc and copper used, the color of brass can range from yellow to yellow orange and brown. It can either be hard or soft depending on the proportion of zinc to copper.

While brass is used in the production of household items, copper is most commonly used in the electrical industry. Copper can also be easily bent and molded while brass is harder to mold and cast.

Copper and brass have several differences. They have different physical and chemical properties. In musical instruments, copper produces a softer and rounder sound while brass produces a high pitched and brighter sound.

Summary:

1. Copper is a base metal that has a high level of electrical and thermal conductivity while brass is an alloy of copper and zinc.
2. The color of copper is reddish-orange while the color of brass is usually yellow because of its zinc content.
3. Musical instruments that are made of copper have soft and mellow sounds while those that are made of brass have a higher pitched sound.
4. Copper is softer and easier to mold while brass is more difficult to mold and cast.
5. Brass has a lighter finish than copper.

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Written by : Emelda M.
and updated on March 6, 2011

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